SP-F's Taylor Scores Touchdown in Snapple Bowl

Anthony Taylor is already attending classes at Hampton University in Virginia. The 2009 Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School graduate is also working out with hopes of playing for the Division I-AA program.

But for four days, Taylor returned to New Jersey and played one final game as a high school player.

Taylor, a running back who was a co-captain for Scotch Plains-Fanwood's football team last fall, competed in the annual Snapple Bowl at Kean University before a crowd of 3,524 Thursday night.

The game pits graduated senior standouts from Middlesex and Union counties in a game that has raised $250,000 since its inception to benefit the Lakeview School for Cerebral Palsy in Edison and Children’s Specialized Hospital of Mountainside.

Though the Middlesex All-Stars won 24-6 at Alumni Field, Taylor scored a touchdown in the second half that pulled the Union stars to within 7-6.

Trailing 7-0 in the third quarter, Union ran a hook-and-lateral for a 56-yard touchdown with 4:49 left in the quarter. Westfield quarterback Tony DiIorio hit Roselle Park receiver Brandon Gould in the right flat on a quick curl pattern. After making the catch, Gould immediately lateraled to Taylor, who raced the remaining 52 yards down the right sideline unscathed for the score.

"They were pressing up on our receivers the whole time," Taylor said of Middlesex's secondary. "So we knew if we got the pitch we'd be gone, and that's what happened."

After the game, Taylor spoke about his experience.

“It was a good experience,’’ said the 6-foot, 170-pounder. “The atmosphere was great to get together.’’

Taylor said the “trick’’ play was run once during the four days of practice the team had.

“It was straight street ball, that’s the way I like it,’’ Taylor said.

Taylor returns to Virginia Friday morning to renew his pursuit to make the Hampton team and to attend classes.

“I’m trying to earn a spot on the team,’’ Taylor said. “I feel confident playing there, it’s a great experience, a great cultural experience. I’ve been going to school, running every day at 5 a.m. The practices have been very intense. If you’re good, you’ll get on the field. I’m just trying to earn my spot on the field.’’